How to Plan a Trip to Geneva
The complete 2026 guide — flights, hotels, things to do and airport transfers, all in one place. Everything a first-time visitor to Switzerland needs.
Your 4-step Geneva plan
Step 1 — Book flights to GVA
Cointrin Airport (GVA) is the main gateway to Geneva. Compare fares across major airlines and OTAs before locking a date.
See flight deals to GVAStep 2 — Pick a neighborhood
Base yourself in Old Town + St Pierre Cathedral for the best first-time visit — Cobbled streets + Place du Bourg-de-Four (Geneva's oldest square).
Where to stay in GenevaStep 3 — Plan your itinerary
Start with Lake Geneva + Jet d'Eau, then build outward. Most first-time visitors need 3-5 days to see the highlights of Geneva.
Things to do in GenevaStep 4 — Sort your airport transfer
SBB train (to Cornavin) is CHF 3 (free with hotel ticket) and takes 7 min. Pre-book a private transfer for stress-free arrival.
GVA arrival guideBefore you book — visa check
Switzerland is Schengen — visa-free for most Western passports up to 90 days. Geneva has a separate French side (Cointrin) within the airport — passengers heading to French Alps can exit via the French side without going through Swiss immigration.